Green Light for £40 Million New Leisure Complex at Drake Circus, Plymouth

Sarah Breedon

Marketing Manager

August 21st 2015

Plymouth’s Bretonside is set to be transformed after Plymouth City Council granted planning permission for a new £40 million leisure complex comprising a 12 screen cinema, 14 restaurants, a kiosk, a rooftop bar with panoramic views across Sutton Harbour and 420 car parking spaces.

Located next to Drake Circus Shopping Centre, the 100,000 sq ft development will not only revitalise the city’s night time economy and create 350 jobs, but also transform the cityscape by linking the city centre to the attractive leisure destinations of Plymouth’s old quarter, including Sutton Harbour Marina and the Barbican.

Corstorphine + Wright were appointed to work on the project by the developer, British Land. Construction is scheduled to start on site in summer 2016, with the new complex set to open to the public in 2018.

Richard Wagenhauser, associate director at Corstorphine + Wright, said: The new leisure complex at Drake Circus is one of the largest developments to come to Plymouth in recent years and we have strived to create a unique design that pushes boundaries and enhances the city’s image as a vibrant tourist and leisure destination.

“One of our biggest drivers has been to create a development that does not just stand alone, but contributes to the transformation of Plymouth as a whole by improving connectivity and the way in which people navigate and enjoy the city.

“This has involved relocating the old Bretonside Bus Station and in its place creating a new landmark building with extensive public realm spaces, incorporating soft landscaping, public art and feature lighting. We look forward to beginning work and delivering this exciting new development to the public.

David Pollock, Retail Development Director for British Land, added: “It is fantastic to have planning consent and continue the scheme’s exciting momentum. Very positive discussions with restaurant operators are continuing and we have already agreed terms and are in legals with five restaurants and a cinema operator.”